Devices and methods for manually generating bubbles

ABSTRACT

A device for manually generating bubbles. A main body has securements each adapted to receive at least one finger of a user. A ribbon or similar structure is attached to the finger grip main body and is configurable between a smaller first configuration insertable into a bubble solution container and a larger second configuration defining a bubble-generating space waveable by the user to generate bubbles. The securements may include at least one receptacle formed from two layers of material sealed on at least one common edge, thereby forming a pocket therebetween. The at least one receptacle preferably at least partially shields the user from the bubble solution when the device is dipped in the bubble solution and allows the user to hold and control the device. The securements may include at least one aperture formed in the finger grip main body adapted to receive at least one finger therethrough.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority is claimed from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/713,065 filed Aug. 1, 2018 and entitled “DEVICE FOR MANUALLYGENERATING BUBBLES”, the entirety of which is incorporated by referenceherein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention is directed to methods and devices for manually generatingbubbles. More specifically, the invention is directed to methods anddevices for manually generating larger than usual bubbles withoutsignificant mess.

Description of Related Art

Blowing or otherwise generating bubbles has been a fun outdoor activityfor children (and adults) for decades. Conventionally, one takes a wandthat has a hole or two at one end and dips it into a soapy solution,thereby forming a membrane or film across the hole. One then blowssubstantially orthogonally to the plane of the soapy film to create oneor more soap bubbles. Blowing at a slower rate will typically createfewer but larger bubbles, while blowing at a faster rate will typicallycreate more but smaller bubbles. One can also wave the wand with one'shand to some limited effect.

Fun as it may be, there are some drawbacks to this activity. Forstarters, one typically gets the soapy liquid on oneself and ends up asticky mess, especially on one's hands. Also, most bubble wands have asingle or very few holes in the distal (blowing) end, resulting in fewbubbles being produced at a time. Additionally, for small children orthe otherwise inexperienced bubble blower, often it is difficult to findthe right rate of blowing to achieve good bubbles: blow too softly andnothing happens; blow too hard and the soapy film collapses and nothinghappens. Waving the wand is also not without its difficulties. It can bevery frustrating. Further, conventional bubble wands have small holeswhich can only generate small bubbles, regardless of how softly/slowly aperson blows. Typically, if one wishes to generate large bubbles, oneneeds a large bubble wand with a large hole, because these areconventionally rigid articles. Packaging, shipping, and storing largebubble wands can become cost-prohibitive, especially when consumers areused to paying very little for conventional bubble wands.

Accordingly, there is a long-felt need for a new device and method forgenerating bubbles that does not require the finesse of blowing and alsokeeps one relatively clean and mess-free. There is another long-feltneed for a device and method to generate bubbles manually easily and ingreat quantities. It would be desirable to be able to generate largebubbles with a small device, or at least with a device that can becollapsed into a small configuration for shipping and storage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a device for manually generating bubbles. In oneembodiment, main body is provided with a plurality of fingersecurements, e.g., receptacles and/or apertures, each adapted to receiveat least one finger of the user. The finger securements both help shieldthe user from bubble solution and allow the user to hold and control thedevice. A bubble ribbon or similar bubble-forming structure is attachedto at least one end of the device. The ribbon is preferably flexible andfoldable/collapsible yet when unfurled defines a relatively largebubble-generating space capable of being significantly larger than themain body across which the soapy film/membrane is formed. The main bodyis preferably substantially flat and flexible allowing the user to openand close their fingers in the securements so as to open and close thebubble-generating space formed by the ribbon.

In one aspect of the invention, the invention is a device for manuallygenerating bubbles. A finger grip main body has a plurality ofsecurements each adapted to receive at least one finger of a user. Asubstantially elongate ribbon is attached to at least one end of thefinger grip main body, the ribbon being flexible and configurablebetween a smaller first configuration adapted to be inserted into abubble solution container containing bubble solution and a larger secondconfiguration defining a bubble-generating space and adapted to be wavedby the user to generate one or more bubbles. The ribbon may be attachedto both ends of the finger grip main body.

The securements may include at least one receptacle formed from twolayers of material sealed on at least one common edge, thereby forming apocket therebetween, the pocket adapted to receive at least one fingertherein. The at least one receptacle preferably at least partiallyshields the user from the bubble solution when the ribbon is dipped inthe bubble solution and allows the user to hold and control the device.In addition or in the alternative, the securements may include at leastone aperture formed in the finger grip main body adapted to receive atleast one finger therethrough.

The finger grip main body is preferably substantially flat and flexibleand, in addition or the alternative, foldable substantially along amiddle portion.

In another aspect of the invention, the invention is a method formanually generating bubbles. A device having a finger grip main bodyhaving a plurality of securements each adapted to receive at least onefinger of a user is provided. A substantially elongate ribbon attachedto at least one end of the finger grip main body is also provided, theribbon being flexible and configurable between a smaller firstconfiguration adapted to be inserted into a bubble solution containercontaining bubble solution and a larger second configuration defining abubble-generating space and adapted to be waved by the user to generateone or more bubbles. The ribbon is inserted into bubble solution in thesmaller first configuration. The ribbon is removed from the bubblesolution. The ribbon is opened into the larger second configuration, andthe device is waved to cause at least one bubble to form from the bubblesolution contacting the bubble-generating space of the ribbon.

The main body is preferably folded along a substantially middle portionthereof substantially during the inserting step. The opening step mayfurther include the step of unfolding the main body substantiallybetween the removing and waving steps. The method may further includethe steps of: refolding the main body following the waving step toreform a bubble membrane on the ribbon; re-unfolding the main body; andwaving the device a second time to cause a second bubble to form fromthe bubble solution contacting the bubble-generating space of theribbon.

In another aspect of the invention, the invention is a device formanually generating bubbles. A finger grip main body has a plurality ofsecurements each adapted to receive at least one finger of a user. Asubstantially elongate bubble-forming structure is attached to at leastone end of the finger grip main body, the bubble-forming structure beingconfigurable between a smaller first configuration adapted to beinserted into a bubble solution container containing bubble solution anda larger second configuration defining a bubble-generating space andadapted to be waved by the user to generate one or more bubbles.

The bubble-forming structure may be attached to both ends of the fingergrip main body. The bubble-forming structure may include at least oneribbon attached to at least one end of the finger grip main body, theribbon being flexible. The bubble-forming structure may include at leastone dowel attached to at least one end of the finger grip main body. Thebubble-forming structure may include both at least one ribbon and atleast one dowel as above.

In another aspect of the invention, the invention is a method formanually generating bubbles. A device having a finger grip main bodyhaving a plurality of securements each adapted to receive at least onefinger of a user is provided. A substantially elongate bubble-formingstructure attached to at least one end of the finger grip main body isalso provided, the bubble-forming structure being configurable between asmaller first configuration adapted to be inserted into a bubblesolution container containing bubble solution and a larger secondconfiguration defining a bubble-generating space and adapted to be wavedby the user to generate one or more bubbles. The bubble-formingstructure is inserted into bubble solution in the smaller firstconfiguration. The bubble-forming structure is removed from the bubblesolution. The bubble-forming structure is opened into the larger secondconfiguration, and the device is waved to cause at least one bubble toform from the bubble solution contacting the bubble-generating space ofthe bubble-forming structure.

The main body is preferably folded along a substantially middle portionthereof substantially during the inserting step. The opening step mayfurther include the step of unfolding the main body substantiallybetween the removing and waving steps. The method may further includethe steps of: refolding the main body following the waving step toreform a bubble membrane on the bubble-forming structure; re-unfoldingthe main body; and waving the device a second time to cause a secondbubble to form from the bubble solution contacting the bubble-generatingspace of the bubble-forming structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a finger grip of an article forgenerating bubbles in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the finger grip of the article ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the finger grip of the article ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a right elevational view of the finger grip of the article ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a left elevational view of the finger grip of the article ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top elevational view of the finger grip of the article ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the finger grip of the article of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the article of FIG. 1 including abubble-making ribbon.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of the article of FIG. 8 in abubble-making configuration.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of the article of FIG. 9 in acollapsed configuration.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an article for generating bubbles inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a finger grip of an article forgenerating bubbles in accordance with another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an article for generating bubbles inaccordance with yet another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND DRAWINGS

Description will now be given with reference to the attached FIGS. 1-13.It should be understood that these figures are exemplary in nature andin no way serve to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined bythe claims appearing hereinbelow.

Device 8 is a bubble generating article that one puts on one's fingers.It includes a main body 10 which is preferably substantially flat andflexible. Ribbon holes 12 are cut into the ends of finger grip main body10 to receive a bubble generating ribbon 30 to be described below inconnection with FIGS. 8-11 or similar structure.

In one embodiment, formed on main body 10 is a pair of fingerreceptacles 20. Receptacles 20 preferably have a front layer 22 and rearlayer 24 that meet at a common edge 25 to form a pocket 26. At least oneof front layer 22 and rear layer 24 may be integral with main body 10.Each pocket 26 is dimensioned to receive at least one finger of a hand(see, e.g., FIG. 9), to be inserted therein in the direction of arrows Aas shown in FIG. 1. In between receptacles 20 on main body 10 ispreferably provided a central/middle cutout 14 to facilitate the foldingof main body 10 into the use configuration depicted in FIG. 9. Inaddition or in the alternative to cutout 14, a hinge and/or simplyflexible material that is readily foldable across the middle portion ofmain body 10 may be provided.

Device 8 also includes a bubble ribbon 30 as shown in FIGS. 8-11. In oneembodiment (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9), bubble ribbon 30 is loopedthrough ribbon holes 12 in a continuous loop. In another embodiment ofdevice 108 as shown in FIG. 11, bubble ribbon 30 is fixedly attachedthrough ribbon holes 12, e.g., by sewing (e.g., at stitching 35),adhesive, or the like. As shown in FIG. 9, bubble ribbon 30 is to bedipped in bubble solution (not shown) in the direction of arrow B whendevice 8 is worn on the fingers of a user. In this way, the device cangenerate huge bubbles having the size of the space 32 (or larger)enclosed by bubble ribbon 30 while keeping the bubble solution off ofthe user's fingers and hands. Moreover, in some embodiments (e.g., thatof FIGS. 8 and 9), the size of space 32 is adjustable by changing theamount of ribbon 30 that projects distally from main body 10. In otherembodiments (e.g., that of FIG. 11), space 32 is substantially fixed insize because ribbon 30 is fixed with respect to ribbon holes 12.

An alternate embodiment is shown in FIG. 12. Here, finger grip main body210 is still substantially flat and flexible as is main body 10 but ismade from a single layer of material (to be described below). Ratherthan receptacles, finger apertures 224 are formed (e.g., cut) into mainbody 210. It is preferred to leave a significant distance between thedistal edges of apertures 224 and the distal edges of main body 210 toreduce the likelihood of a finger placed in aperture 224 from cominginto contact with the bubble solution into which ribbon 30 is to bedipped.

Both finger grip main bodies 10 and 210 are preferably sufficientlyflexible to allow the user to fold the main body along a substantiallymiddle portion by pinching their thumb and other finger(s) together. Itis preferred that main bodies 10 and 210 be made entirely flexible outof a single flexible material for ease of manufacture; however, it isalso contemplated to make only the middle portion of main bodies 10 and210 flexible or hinged to allow for the abovementioned pinching/foldingwhile making the ends of the main bodies more rigid. In any event,folding the main body to during bubble formation serves to make iteasier to insert the ribbon into a container of bubble solution. Foldingthe main body also serves to close the loop of ribbon 30 to close offthe trailing end of the bubble to thereby control the size of the bubblebeing made. Additionally, depending upon how much bubble solutionremains on ribbon 30 after a first bubble is made, the user can fold themain body by pinching their fingers closed to form another bubblemembrane to create a second bubble without having to re-dip the ribbonback in the bubble solution.

In some embodiments, e.g., as shown in FIG. 11, weight 40 is provided ina substantially central portion of ribbon 30 to give ribbon 30additional ballast, for several reasons. First, weight 40 weighs downribbon 30 to ensure it is better submerged in the bubble solution.Second, weight 40 causes the loop of ribbon 30 to come together when theuser pinches their fingers together. Additionally, weight 40 helps keepribbon 30 straighter than otherwise to discourage or prevent ribbon 30from getting tangled with itself. Moreover, adding weight 40 to asubstantially central portion of ribbon 30 enables the use of lighterweight material for the ribbon itself, thereby reducing the costs ofmaterials and shipping.

FIG. 13 depicts another embodiment of the invention. Here, device 308has a finger grip main body 10 as before. (It could instead have a mainbody 210 as before.) Rather than a single flexible ribbon 30, device 308has a bubble-forming structure 330 which includes one or more rigidelements such as dowels 331 preferably attached together at their distalends. A flexible portion 333 may also be provided. When the user openstheir fingers along arrow C, bubble-forming structure 330 defines abubble-generating space 332. Although FIG. 13 depicts two elongatedowels 331, it is contemplated that multiple rigid sections may beprovided instead or in addition. Similarly, although FIG. 13 depicts asingle flexible portion 333, multiple flexible portions may be providedinstead or in addition.

In operation, the invention is used as follows. First, the user placestheir fingers into receptacles 20 or through apertures 224. The userpreferably pinches their thumb and other finger(s) together to fold mainbody 10 or 210 to reduce the size of the space occupied by ribbon 30 orstructure 330. Then ribbon 30 or structure 330 is lowered into bubblesolution so that all or substantially all of the ribbon/structure issubmerged or at least otherwise in contact with the solution. Ribbon 30or structure 330 is flexible and easily folded up and thus can fitinside even a small container of bubble solution. Next, theribbon/structure is removed from the bubble solution, the user openstheir fingers, and the ribbon/structure allowed to expand back to itsfull loop size. Finally, the user waves their hand/arm to cause air toflow through space 32/332, thereby forming one or more soap bubbles.Substantially mess-free fun is achieved. The user can pinch theirfingers together during operation to close the loop of ribbon30/structure 330 to close off the trailing end of the bubble to therebycontrol the size of the bubble being made. Depending upon how muchbubble solution remains on ribbon 30/structure 330, the user can pinchtheir fingers closed to form another bubble membrane to create a secondbubble without having to re-dip the ribbon/structure back in the bubblesolution. When not in use, ribbon 30 can be folded or rolled up, and theentire device 8 can be stored in a small collapsed configuration.(Dowels 331 can be folded together, at least. If multiple sections ofdowels are provided, these can be folded up in a manner similar to thatof ribbon 30.)

The entire main body 10 or 210 may be made from one or two (or more)layers/films (depending on the embodiment) of flexible plastic such asPolyethylene Terephthalate (PET), e.g., under the brand name Mylar®,made by DuPont. One advantage of using this material is that it is easyto print artwork thereon. Other materials contemplated includepolyethylene, Nylon films, molded silicone, molded thermo-plastic rubber(TPR), and the like. As mentioned above, the central portion of the mainbody may be the sole flexible portion to enable the main body to befolded while keeping the finger securement areas more rigid. In themultilayer embodiments, the layers/films are preferably attachedtogether via Thermo-weld or contact adhesive. Other manufacturingprocesses can also include pressure/thermoforming, injection molding,compression molding, and the like. The ribbon is also preferably quiteflexible and preferably made from cotton, polyester, polyethylene, PET,and the like.

The invention is not limited to the above description. For example, theinvention above is described as having two finger receptacles orapertures, however more than two finger receptacles or apertures can beprovided. In addition or in the alternative, the finger receptacles caneach be made/dimensioned to accommodate more than one finger. Moreover,the various features of one embodiment (e.g., the attachment structureof the ribbon to the main body, the presence or absence of a weight, atwo-layer finger receptacle versus a finger aperture formed in asingle-layer finger grip main body, one or more portions of thebubble-forming structure being rigid rather than entirely flexible,etc.) are not limited to the specific embodiments in which they aredepicted and may be separately provided in any combination orpermutation without departing from the scope of the invention. Further,although the above description contemplates a direct action of the useropening and closing their fingers to cause the ribbon/structure to openand close, intermediate mechanisms may also be provided to effectuate orfacilitate opening/closing of the ribbon/structure.

Having described certain embodiments of the invention, it should beunderstood that the invention is not limited to the above description orthe attached exemplary drawings. Rather, the scope of the invention isdefined by the claims appearing hereinbelow and includes any equivalentsthereof as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for manually generating bubbles,comprising: a finger grip main body having a plurality of securementseach adapted to receive at least one finger of a user; and asubstantially elongate ribbon attached to at least one end of saidfinger grip main body, said ribbon being flexible and configurablebetween a smaller first configuration adapted to be inserted into abubble solution container containing bubble solution and a larger secondconfiguration defining a bubble-generating space and adapted to be wavedby the user to generate one or more bubbles.
 2. A device for manuallygenerating bubbles according to claim 1, wherein said securementscomprise at least one receptacle formed from two layers of materialsealed on at least one common edge, thereby forming a pockettherebetween, said pocket adapted to receive at least one fingertherein.
 3. A device for manually generating bubbles according to claim2, wherein said at least one receptacle at least partially shields theuser from the bubble solution when said ribbon is dipped in the bubblesolution and allows the user to hold and control said device.
 4. Adevice for manually generating bubbles according to claim 1, whereinsaid securements comprise at least one aperture formed in said fingergrip main body adapted to receive at least one finger therethrough.
 5. Adevice for manually generating bubbles according to claim 1, whereinsaid finger grip main body is substantially flat and flexible.
 6. Adevice for manually generating bubbles according to claim 5, said fingergrip main body being foldable substantially along a middle portion.
 7. Adevice for manually generating bubbles according to claim 1, said fingergrip main body being foldable substantially along a middle portion.
 8. Adevice for manually generating bubbles according to claim 1, whereinsaid ribbon is attached to both ends of said finger grip main body.
 9. Amethod for manually generating bubbles, comprising the steps of:providing a device having a finger grip main body having a plurality ofsecurements each adapted to receive at least one finger of a user;providing a substantially elongate ribbon attached to at least one endof said finger grip main body, said ribbon being flexible andconfigurable between a smaller first configuration adapted to beinserted into a bubble solution container containing bubble solution anda larger second configuration defining a bubble-generating space andadapted to be waved by the user to generate one or more bubbles;inserting the ribbon into bubble solution in the smaller firstconfiguration; removing the ribbon from the bubble solution; opening theribbon into the larger second configuration; and waving the device tocause at least one bubble to form from the bubble solution contactingthe bubble-generating space of the ribbon.
 10. A method for manuallygenerating bubbles according to claim 9, further comprising the step offolding the main body along a substantially middle portion thereofsubstantially during said inserting step.
 11. A method for manuallygenerating bubbles according to claim 10, said opening step furthercomprising the step of unfolding the main body substantially betweensaid removing and waving steps.
 12. A method for manually generatingbubbles according to claim 11, further comprising the steps of:refolding the main body following said waving step to reform a bubblemembrane on the ribbon; re-unfolding the main body; and waving thedevice a second time to cause a second bubble to form from the bubblesolution contacting the bubble-generating space of the ribbon.
 13. Adevice for manually generating bubbles, comprising: a finger grip mainbody having a plurality of securements each adapted to receive at leastone finger of a user; and a substantially elongate bubble-formingstructure attached to at least one end of said finger grip main body,said bubble-forming structure being configurable between a smaller firstconfiguration adapted to be inserted into a bubble solution containercontaining bubble solution and a larger second configuration defining abubble-generating space and adapted to be waved by the user to generateone or more bubbles.
 14. A device for manually generating bubblesaccording to claim 13, wherein said bubble-forming structure is attachedto both ends of said finger grip main body.
 15. A device for manuallygenerating bubbles according to claim 13, said bubble-forming structurefurther comprising at least one ribbon attached to at least one end ofsaid finger grip main body, said ribbon being flexible.
 16. A device formanually generating bubbles according to claim 13, said bubble-formingstructure further comprising at least one dowel attached to at least oneend of said finger grip main body.
 17. A device for manually generatingbubbles according to claim 16, said bubble-forming structure furthercomprising at least one ribbon attached to at least one end of saidfinger grip main body, said ribbon being flexible.
 18. A method formanually generating bubbles, comprising the steps of: providing a devicehaving a finger grip main body having a plurality of securements eachadapted to receive at least one finger of a user; providing asubstantially elongate bubble-forming structure attached to at least oneend of said finger grip main body, said bubble-forming structure beingconfigurable between a smaller first configuration adapted to beinserted into a bubble solution container containing bubble solution anda larger second configuration defining a bubble-generating space andadapted to be waved by the user to generate one or more bubbles;inserting the bubble-forming structure into bubble solution in thesmaller first configuration; removing the bubble-forming structure fromthe bubble solution; opening the bubble-forming structure into thelarger second configuration; and waving the device to cause at least onebubble to form from the bubble solution contacting the bubble-generatingspace of the bubble-forming structure.
 19. A method for manuallygenerating bubbles according to claim 18, further comprising the step offolding the main body along a substantially middle portion thereofsubstantially during said inserting step.
 20. A method for manuallygenerating bubbles according to claim 19, said opening step furthercomprising the step of unfolding the main body substantially betweensaid removing and waving steps.
 21. A method for manually generatingbubbles according to claim 20, further comprising the steps of:refolding the main body following said waving step to reform a bubblemembrane on the bubble-forming structure; re-unfolding the main body;and waving the device a second time to cause a second bubble to formfrom the bubble solution contacting the bubble-generating space of thebubble-forming structure.